emc power relay prob

[candywhitefudd]

hi new to this forum and really need help,,,, got a mk5 gti 2005 engine code axx just had full respray and when was put bk together batt had died. so they tried jump starting it with no joy. got a mechanic with diagnostic tool and came up with error code p0688 and p0685 auto data say emc power relay fault. now ive called around local dealers and the are compleatly useless aint got a clue. also rear brake lights wont go out........pls help need the relay and need to know where it is ?

[AlanD]

I think you'll find its called an ECM power relay (not EMC). A bit of Google hunting back with this, sounds pretty serious:

001669 - ECM Power Relay Control Circuit (J271): Open Circuit
P0685 - 004 - No Signal/Communication
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 01100100
Fault Priority: 0
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 15423 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2000.00.00
Time: 04:09:31

This relay switch (whatever name you want to call it) basically sends power to every sensor in the car as well as through the ECU. Failing ECM Load Reduction Power Relays have been known to damage ECU's when they go bad, not to mention the safety factor involved when they decide to die while you are idling in traffic or traveling on the motorway. - http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?p=300195

How the dealer doesn't know what an ECM relay is quite frankly worries me, its common to ALL cars and not just VWs (so Im lead to understand). Ask to speak to a manager and explain your disappointment that your local Volkswagen dealer is unable to sort what would appear to me a fairly simple issue. There is a link on how to fix on a MK4 yourself, cant find anything for a MK5 though.

Hope this helps.